Does your mobile charge for unanswered calls?

maribuk

I'd be really grateful for some feedback on this: I've been disputing a very large bill with Vodaphone, for calls that went over the 'included' amount of minutes. I had noticed that there were several 2 second items on the bill , often at the same time, each billed for 35p. I was told this would be repeat ringing of the same number where the person didn't reply - and that Vodaphone charge the moment it starts ringing the other end - irrespective of whether anyone answers or not .
I find this absolutely incredible. Is this legal?
Thanks for any help or advice anyone can give.

Update: having looked at Ofcom sites etc. I just phoned Vodaphone again to ask for confirmation on their website of this pricing policy - and got another advisor who basically said that the first guy had completely misguided me. She said that the shortness of the calls was probably going to voicemail - and I can understand getting charged for that. So query answered really.

[Deleted User]

That sounds like a good reason for finding another provider if you are being charged for unanswered calls. I know that neither Tesco(O2) nor Orange do this as I check my balance regularly and have used both providers recently.

It may be legal if that's what Vodafone's terms and conditions say they do with unanswered calls but I don't know of another network that does this.

Rusty!

Also if you call someone with a stupid custom 'brrr brrr' replacement, you get charged as soon as it rings.

NFH

Voicemail should be disabled by default and only enabled for those who specifically want it, as happens in many other countries. The main reason for UK networks enabling voicemail by default is to allow the networks to charge for unanswered calls. If anyone calls my mobile and I am out of coverage, they hear a network message saying that I'm unavailable, which is obviously free.

paulineb_2

Get a contract with unlimited minutes, having been stung by vodafone before when I went slightly over the allotted minutes, it really is the only way to make sure you dont get hit with excess charges.

Vodafone

maribuk wrote: »

I'd be really grateful for some feedback on this: I've been disputing a very large bill with Vodaphone, for calls that went over the 'included' amount of minutes. I had noticed that there were several 2 second items on the bill , often at the same time, each billed for 35p. I was told this would be repeat ringing of the same number where the person didn't reply - and that Vodaphone charge the moment it starts ringing the other end - irrespective of whether anyone answers or not .
I find this absolutely incredible. Is this legal?
Thanks for any help or advice anyone can give.

Update: having looked at Ofcom sites etc. I just phoned Vodaphone again to ask for confirmation on their website of this pricing policy - and got another advisor who basically said that the first guy had completely misguided me. She said that the shortness of the calls was probably going to voicemail - and I can understand getting charged for that. So query answered really.

Hi maribuk,

If you'd like me to take a closer look at things could you email me with your details via the link in our profile here?

All you need to do is copy and paste the link into your web browser and it'll take you to the Contact us form on our website. To make sure it reaches me could you also quote the code WRT135 - MSE in the subject line?

Once sent you'll receive an automated reply with a reference number. So I can make sure I've got it could you update the thread with this and I'll get back to you as soon as possible?

Kind regards,

Lee

Web Relations

Vodafone UK